To report suspected elder abuse or neglect call the Adult Services Hotline at (805) 781-1790 during regular business hours, or after business hours call (844) 729-8011

Resource Family Approval (RFA)

What is this service?

Resource Family Approval (RFA) is a streamlined, family-friendly and child-centered certification process to approve care providers for children placed in out of home care. RFA was implemented in San Luis Obispo County in November, 2013 and statewide in January, 2017.

RFA creates unified approval standards for all caregivers, children in out of home care will be better positioned to be provided permanency more quickly, and Resource Families will have access to expanded supportive services.

The RFA process includes a home environment check, a comprehensive psychosocial assessment, and training for all families, including relatives. It prepares families to better meet the needs of vulnerable children in the foster care system, it will decrease disruptions, improve caregiver satisfaction, and will increase and allow for a more seamless transition to permanency.

Who can use this service?

Beginning January 1, 2017, the RFA process applies to all caregiver homes that will have or already have had youth placed in their care within the State of California. All individuals and couples (including relatives) who wish to be considered for Resource Family certification in the state of California must complete the RFA process.

Is there a charge for this service?

There are generally no costs associated with the RFA process; however, if you elect to obtain services such as LiveScan fingerprinting, health screening, CPR/First Aid training, etc. with a vendor other than those provided, there may be associated fees. These fees will vary, dependent on the provider you choose.

What is the process?

Step 1: Apply to Become a Certified as a Resource Parent

To become certified as a Resource parent, please contact our Resource Family Recruitment, Retention and Support line at (805) 781-1705 for further information.

Applicants can expect to complete LiveScan fingerprinting and several levels of background checks, initial Resource Family Training (RFT) and annual training requirements (including obtaining and maintaining CPR/First Aid Certification), a home and grounds inspection, and a comprehensive psychosocial assessment.

When and where is this service offered?

RFA training and services are provided regionally throughout San Luis Obispo County and, in certain circumstances, arrangements may be made to complete the process in another California County (such as when a relative seeking placement resides outside of San Luis Obispo County).

Location, directions and hours of operation

Click on location name to show hours of operation, directions and phone information

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Morro Bay Social Services

Monday - Friday 8-5

600 Quintana Road Morro Bay , CA 93442

Tel: (805) 772-6405

Fax: (805) 772-6409

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SLO Social Services- Higuera

Monday - Friday 8-5

3433 South Higuera San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Tel: (805) 781-1600

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Arroyo Grande Social Services

Monday - Friday 8-5

1086 East Grand Avenue Arroyo Grande, CA 93420

Tel: (805) 474-2000

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Nipomo Social Services

Monday - Friday 8-5

681 West Tefft Street Suite 1 Nipomo, CA 93444

Tel: (805) 931-1800

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Atascadero Social Services

Monday - Friday 8-5

9415 El Camino Real Atascadero, CA 93422

Tel: (805) 461-6000

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Paso Robles Social Services

Monday - Friday 8-5

406 Spring Street Paso Robles, CA 93446

Tel: (805) 237-3110

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is a Resource Family?

The term Resource Family, incorporates terms such as foster parent, relative caregiver, adoptive family, guardianship family and relative/non-relative extended family member. Rather than going through multiple processes, a Resource Family goes through one process and once approved, may provide care for a related or unrelated court dependent or ward on a short term or long term basis.

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What type of support is offered to Resource Families?

Eligible Resource Families receive a monthly financial assistance, agency sponsored resources, monthly home visits from the child’s, youth’s, or young adult’s social worker, and ongoing trainings and classes.

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Who can become a Resource parent (previously known as foster parent)?

A relative or known adult may apply to provide care to a specific youth, or a caring adult may apply to provide care to an unknown youth in need. Individuals from all walks of life are interested in caring for youth for a myriad of reasons. Preferred placement of children is with relatives whenever possible.

To qualify for consideration as a Resource Parent, you must meet (at minimum) the following conditions:

18 years or older

Male or female

Retired or working

Homeowner or renter

People who are single or part of a couple.

People who are willing and able to care for children

People who have sufficient income to meet their own expenses and financial obligations

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Who may I contact for additional information on Resource Families?

Please contact the San Luis Obispo County Department of Social Services – Resource Family Recruitment, Retention and Support line at (805) 781-1705. Regular office hours are Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (closed on County-observed holidays), or visit our website at www.slofostercare.com

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Will my background be checked?

The County shall conduct a background check for each applicant and all adults residing or that are regularly present in the home of an applicant or Resource Family. A background check shall include: State and Federal criminal record information, Child Abuse Central Index check, Megan’s Law registered sex offender check, Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) check, Administrative Action Records System (LAARS) database maintained by the Department, a Licensing Information System (LIS) database check. An individual shall be required to obtain a criminal record clearance, or criminal record Exemption prior to approval, residency, or regular presence in the home of a Resource Family.